Today, the final chapter of what creator and producer George Lucas calls his "space opera" opens in a modest 20,000 theaters around the world to the delight of many who have stood and will stand in line for hours or days - even one man in Seattle who has been waiting since New Year's Day.

Okay, even us "inky wretches of the press" - who, believe it or not, don't have many differences than jedi knights and siths and darths of The Force - believe that's a little outrageous for this movie.

Or, is it?

Take a look at any headlines in any newspaper around the country: Car bombs kill innocent citizens in (country name here). Investigators search for clues in disappearance of (name of man, woman, child or runaway bride here). Gas prices go up, go down, go up. The economic outlook is up, or down. The stock market is up, or down.

Maybe, this is the right time to take at least a couple of hours and think about or go somewhere else. Maybe a galaxy far, far away is just what is in order.

We can see several reasons why "Star Wars: Episode Three - Revenge of the Sith" could be more than a movie to many. It started, in fact, just a few dreams and thoughts of one man that turned his little space opera into a different science fiction experience than we were used to back in 1977. Everybody has dreams, right?

With more interest, then money, and millions of fans across the globe, Lucas turned this space opera into three movies, which became a trilogy. After waiting nearly another 20 years - when the movie-making technology involved was more to his liking - we were off again to that place long, long ago. However, "Episode I - The Phantom Menace" was actually the first in a series of what would become six Star Wars movies. Is Lucas simply mad? Innovative? A genius?

Whatever the answer, today's release of "Revenge of the Sith" is hoped by those around the country interested in box-office revenues and ticket sales that The Force will be with them in drawing fans not so young and old (remember, it's rated PG-13) back to the darkened movie screen to see the rebirth of the dark side again and again. Maybe a couple more times.

Many have already said "This is the one worth waiting for." We'll hold judgment on that until we are able to see the movie, but in the meantime, we can go get some Star Wars M&Ms, Yoda Lay's potato chips or Anakin Skywalker Kellogg's Pop Tarts. We've already got the Darth Tater Mr. Potato Head.

Whether we're ready or not, it's here. Let's all have some fun with these moments and entertain ourselves. May The Force be with you.